Reporting abuse or neglect of an adult

What is abuse?

Abuse exists in various forms and can be carried out by one or more people. In any form or situation, abuse is unacceptable and a violation of a person’s basic human rights.

Abuse can be:

physical - hitting, slapping, pushing or physically restraining, or the mismanagement of medication

emotional or psychological - shouting and swearing to make a person afraid

sexual - unwanted touching, kissing or sexual intercourse

financial - money or belongings taken under pressure or stolen

neglectful - not being properly cared for, mismanaging medication or being denied privacy, choice or social contact

discriminatory - suffering abuse or neglect on the grounds of religion, culture, gender, sexuality or disability

Abuse can take place in a person's own home, in a residential home or a day centre or hospital. Unfortunately those being abused are often the least likely to bring the situation to anyone's attention.

Reporting abuse

If you witness, suspect or have concerns that an adult at risk is being abused it is your responsibility to report it.